All About Augmented Reality Apps

     This past week in GEN 2243, my class and I participated in our second App Smackdown. The app that I chose was Teacher Kit. Teacher Kit is great for teachers of all grade levels. It is the perfect app for organizing. It allows you to store grades, attendance, and behavior of each child in your class. I definitely recommend it for teachers all over!
   

     In class we also discussed apps that involve an augmented reality. The Space Needle app adds 3D items to a "target" and brings the target to life. ZooKazam puts animals on a target. This app makes it look like a life-size animal is actually in front of you. Here's a tip to keep in mind for these apps... Use a bigger target because the bigger the target, the bigger the animal/ item. Elements 4D allows you to see scientific elements in their raw form. Also, Google Cardboard is great when wanting to travel without actually traveling. Simply put the special cardboard binoculars on and you will be transported to the destination of your dreams!

     So, what is an augmented reality? According to Drew Minock, an augmented reality can be compared to the pictures that hang in the walls of Hogwarts. These pictures are alive and interactive. Another example is The Night at the Museum. During the day the exhibit is normal, but at night everything comes to life! An augmented reality brings education to life. Augmented reality is a game-changing tool and the future of educational technology.

     If you're wondering "How To Use Augmented Reality In Education", check out the following. Project Glass allows kids to do digital scavenger hunts, find classmates, or learn more about their environment using the AR glasses. MITAR Games involves simulations games that combine real world experiences with additional information supplied to them by handheld computers. One of these popular games is Environmental Detectives. Star Walk involves holding your phone up at the night sky and seeing more than 200,000 stars, constellations, and more. There are plenty of more ways besides these, to incorporate augmented reality in education.

     If you're considering incorporating ZooKazam into your classroom, consider the following amazing components of the app. Simply print out the targets, open the app, and an animal will magically appear. Children can take photos and videos of the animal, as well as add weather and lighting affects. There are over 40 animals, including dinosaurs, to choose from. This app is great when teaching about animals or simply to spark creative writing prompts.